As you plan your exciting 2025 vacation, be aware of common travel scams that could ruin your trip.
From false promises to shady websites, knowing the top scams can help ensure a stress-free getaway.
"It's an exciting time when you start to assess your 2025 schedule and start panning for a vacation. It's something to look forward to and, with the right preparation, you can ensure you enjoy a stress-free getaway. At the Better Business Bureau, we're dedicated to empowering consumers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and steer clear of common scams," said Neesha Hothi, director of marketing and communications at the BBB serving Mainland 小蓝视频.
Here are leading vacation scams and red flags to watch for:
1. Vacation rental scams
When booking your rental, watch out for listings for properties that either aren’t for rent, don’t exist, or are significantly different than pictured. Vacation rentals are a great option if you want to have the comforts of home when you travel and con artists lure in vacationers with the promise of low fees and great amenities.
- Tips:
- Use trusted vacation rentals. Visit to find BBB Accredited vacation rentals near you and while doing your research read any reviews or complaints.
- Talk with the owner by phone. Asking detailed questions about the property and local attractions will help clarify if the listing is true. Owner’s with vague answers are clear red flags.
- Check public records. Investigate online and confirm the property matches the one advertised.
- Use credit cards for additional protection from fraudulent websites.
- If it’s a too-good-to-be-true price or property, it probably is.
2. Sweepstakes/free vacation scams
When a cruise or travel company advertises a vacation as "free" or you've won a "travel contest," it does not necessarily mean the trip is entirely without cost, restrictions, or risk.
- • Tips:
- Read the fine print and watch out for add-on fees for air transportation to the port, port charges, taxes, tips, and other undisclosed fees.
- Watch for unsolicited offers from sweepstakes that you did not sign up for. If they ask you to pay a small processing fee in order to access your "free vacation," consider it a red flag.
- Trust your gut. If something feels off, check out names and information at the
3. Third-party booking site scams
continues to receive reports of scammers pretending to be online airline ticket brokers by creating legitimate looking or 'lookalike' websites hoping to trick you out of your money.
- Tips:
- Unfamiliar with the company you're looking to book with. Do your research and visit to read customer reviews from other consumers.
- Watch out for calls that ask to verify your name, address, banking information or other personal details – this is something a legitimate company would never do. They are attempting to trick you, to gain your personal information.
- if the company calls to say your flight has been cancelled and you must pay additional fees to secure your seat or even bring baggage on board, do not engage. Instead, contact the airline directly.
Think you may have encountered a scam? Report it so we can protect the next person. Report a scam to today.
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